Handcuffs used on Stranorlar woman who tried to evade arrest

A drunken Stranorlar woman became abusive to Gardai and had to be handcuffed before being arrested after she tried to run off.

Shenel McLaughlin, 23, appeared before Falcarragh District Court charged with being intoxicated in a public place and also engaging in offensive conduct.

The court was told that on July 9, 2022, Gardai received reports of a car being driven erratically.

When they arrived at Parkmore in Dunfanaghy, they found three males and a female at a car and all were intoxicated.

Garda Inspector Seamus McGonigle said all showed a belligerent attitude to Gardai and were also verbally abusive.

The woman gave her name as Sophie McElroy of Strabane, Co Tyrone who became verbally abusive before trying to run off.

She was handcuffed, arrested and taken to Milford Garda Station where her true identity was found to be Shenel McLaughlin of  Strathabionn, Stranorlar.

The court was told the accused has just one previous conviction which was for assault causing harm for which she was sentenced to 20 hours community service.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Frank Dorrian, said his client was in the company of others and she was not driving the car.

He added that the "night became colourful" which was caused by her condition.

"It falls short of being threatening and abusive behaviour and in the cold light of day she is a pleasant young lady," he said.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said it was slightly more than that in that the accused tried to run off and had to be handcuffed.

She fined McLaughlin €250 for behaving in an abusive and uncooperative manner and took the other charge into consideration.